I am so glad that today I get to feature one of my all time favorite authors and friend, Didi Oviatt! Not only is she super talented, she is also kind, inspiring and has a free-spirit that you can’t help but to love!💖 From my beginningdays as being a book blogger, Didi was one of the few people who made me instantly feel at home and after reading two of her books and reading her blog and magazine, I was in awe because of the way she had with words. I hope that when I finish my novel that I am able to become atleast half of the author Didi is!😀 So enough of my babbles. about my innoncent girl crush on Didi Let’s get to the Q&As with her and yours truly!💖🎊🎉
Didi with her latest novel, Search for Maylee
Will you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My two terrorising, bugar-faced children hold the key to my heart. Writing suspense novels leaves me to feel empowered, grounded, and utterly beside myself all at once.
And…………….
My idea of a perfect evening is to be is standing around a booming campfire, with a cold beer in hand, and in a place where the stars are so bright and beautiful it feels like I can reach up and grab them! I’m a small town girl surrounded by mountain ranges that are to die for. So yes, I totally get to experience this phenomenon often!
Can you tell us about one or more of your novels?
I think I’ll to go withAggravated Momentumto ramble about today. Mostly because you’re yet to read it, Dani *wink. wink.* This was my first ever Physcological Thriller. It was the first book I wrote that made me realize I have the kind of potential to actually pursue writing as a lifelong career. The premise is centered around a family with dark secrets, and a killer with a knack for psychological torture. The main victim doesn’t die right off, in this creepy little slasher… No, no, that would be too easy. Instead, the people she cares about are picked off around her, one by one, while her tormentor watches her dismay from a distance. I could go on, but I’d rather you find out for yourselves! 😉
Are there characters in your stories based off yourself or anyone else?
For the most part, no. However, I do have a short story collection that is based on myself, and some elaborated silly memories of my younger years. There are six stories total, and the series is titled Time Wasters.
What has been the hardest part of becoming/being a published author?
Time management!! Hands down, juggling life as a (excellent) mommy and (incomparable) wife (lol), working part time outside the home and writing full time inside the home. It’s hard not to get a little ran down in finding the time. I’ve definitely learned a thing or two over the last couple of years about prioritizing over stressing. Sometimes you have to take a breath and slow yourself down! Becoming a successful writer is huge, but that can never be accomplished without at least trying to keep your sanity intact.
When did you first start writing stories or any other kind of writings?
I’ve always dabbled some in poetry, and excelled in creative writing projects up through high school, but it wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties and going through a bit of medical struggles, that I found my love to create literature. I had to stop drinking, and spent a lot of time on bed-rest… so, naturally I was bored! I decided that I needed a hobby that was constructive, and might help me to feel capable and competent again despite my body’s pitfalls. I turned to writing as an outlet, something to help pull me me away from self-pity and boost my overall health in general. Ultimately, writing turned into a passion much bigger than I’d ever dreamed it could! In a way, you could say writing changed my life.
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?
Making Mind Over Matter a Reality
Did you take writing classes or are you self taught?
I’m completely self taught. Although, I like to think of the novels read as the best teaching tool available to writers. In my opinion, creativity can rarely be taught, and everyday choices in life itself can offer the biggest lessons. You just need to pay attention, open your mind, and allow yourself to learn.
What is the most difficult part of writing?
Edit. Edit. Edit.
What do you enjoy most about being a published author?
I love the feedback and the growth in it. I guess you could say the whole process of self-improvement is absolutely addicting!
What are your hobbies?
OMG where to start! I probably have too many hobbies, that’s why I’m always strapped for time, and utterly behind on my promised reads and writing projects! I’m very outdoorsy. If it involves fresh open air, the sun and the wilderness, then consider me in! I’m like the most opposite of a ‘city girl’ one can possibly get. Some might even go as far as to call me a redneck… and so be it! That said, I spend a lot of time getting dirty. I hike, ride ATV’s, hunt (my favorite is archery), lots and lots of fishing, swimming/boating. I also love Native American artifacts, so I spend a lot of time looking for arrowheads etc, mostly in desert ranges. I also LOVE to take the time teaching my kids dance, sports, and music!
Are there any authors that have inspired your love for writing?
Every single book I’ve ever read has inspired me in one way or another. I pick up on the qualities I love, and I take note of what I don’t. BUT, if I have to pick just one author then I’m going with Colleen Hoover. Not only because her writing is absolutely amazing, but because she’s a beautiful person in general. She’s a giver, an absolute inspiration in every way. She donates and raises money for charities often, and is a pillar of the community. I actually got to interview her for The Conscious Talk Magazine and it was absolutely a dream come true!
If you could give young writers (who’s dream is to be published) a piece of advice that has anything to do with the writing process, what would that be?
Take your time, and take breaks before you do any rounds of edits and revisions. Once you’ve stepped away from a project for a while, you’ll come back with a clean slate and a fresh perspective. Overall this will help your piece to be better rounded and prettier polished.
Here’s a bio on Didi with links and about her books! I got this bio from her author/book blog. You can connect with Didi on her blog @ https://didioviatt.wordpress.com/about/
Growing up in a small town had more than several advantages and disadvantages. Saying that my childhood was sheltered is nothing short of an understatement. Unlocked doors, cleared streets, and the quiet of a trustworthy neighborhood were all welcomed features of my hometown. As a small child I baked cookies with the old lady down the road. I sat next to my kindergarten crush in sun day school, and literally rode my bike in the middle of the road without a care in the world. We didn’t have what kids have today. We actually had to use our imaginations to have a good time. There were no smart phones, tablets, or 64s to keep us occupied. We were perfectly content to play with our stick guns and a water hose for hours on end… And I loved it! Along with my scrapes and bruises I also maintained a simple, happy for the little things attitude, and of course a great tan.
Now that I have made my childhood out to be nothing but cherries and smiles, I have to point out the disadvantages that came with the small town upbringing– before the world of electronics took over the young mind. One word distinctively comes to mind… Boredom! As I grew into adolescence I no longer cared much for silly toys, dancing, baking, or crafts. I rebelled like many young adults do. With a sever chip on my shoulder and a lack of coordination in the sports department, I spent the majority of my time partying. Nothing too outrageous, mostly close friends, fires, and beer.
As much as I would love to say that living in a small town gave me an overactive imagination and love for books, that is unfortunately not the case. I cared more about having a good time than I did about school. I was voted wild child twice in high school. I cheated my way to passing grades.
It wasn’t until I was settled and married with a child on the way that I found my love for the literary world. Rearing out of my mid twenties left me a bit more mature, having to find more important things to do with my time than re-occurring nights at the bar. This is when it started – I read one book after another for a few short years, then decided to give writing a bash. I’m completely amazed at the love I developed! Once I started putting the world of imagination that has long been trapped in my overactive mind into a keyboard, the transformation of self began. A new aspiration in life has formed. I want nothing more than to be known as the unexpected novelist who took the literary world by storm!
My novels include three stand alone thrillers, Search For Maylee, Aggravated Momentum, and The Stix. I’ve released the start to a YA dystopian trilogy New Age Lamians (books 2 and 3 are intended to be released in 2018). I also have a few short story anthologies, Time Wasters, and The Suspenseful Collectionpartnered with Kim Knight.
I’m with Didi on the open air at a campfire!! She’s always been my kind of gal in that respect! I really want to read this “Time Wasters”! Obviously, the novels will come first! But, a short story collection of silly stories of her younger years?? Yes, please??? 💖💖💖🥂 Congrats Didi! And great interview Dani!! 💖👍
Thanks so much, Nicole!!!😚🤗 I just love Didi.💖 I read Time Waters! Ugh I forgot to add that to my posts as well. They were really good and definitely made me snicker!😀 Thanks for all the support, my friend! You rock!💖🍻😚💯
Reblogged this on Didi Oviatt and commented:
Thank you so much for having me on your beautiful blog today , Dani! You’re positively one of my faves too!! 😘😍
Sorry the questions blurred all into one! I think it’s changed now. When I first wrote it, there was red and spaces beetween the questions and answers but WordPress hates me attimes and made it all black stuck together so hopefully I fixed it for good this time! Love ya!😀
lol now worries, love. I think wordpress is secretly out to get us all… dun.dun.dun. Really though, it’s been a beast for me lately too! Talk about frustrating. I’ve been getting kicked out while creating posts, and it doesn’t save my pending work.
Nice of you to feature Didi, and to learn more about her. She is a really committed and engaged blogger, and I wish her success with her new novel.
Best wishes, Pete. x
Excellent interview!
Also, one comment of constructive criticism – It was hard to distinguish between the questions and answers, aside from the questions being centered. Maybe put the questions in bold, or underline them, and then leave the answers un-bolded? Just a thought.
Thanks so much, Laura! Also thank you for that info! I actually noticed this myself before I posted the post and went back and tried to change the color again. When I originally posted it was supposed to be seperated and have a different color but WordPress seems to have it in for me. I turned the the questions blue this time but will make sure to recheck. Thank you so much for stopping by!😀
Awwww!!! Thanks so much.💙 I really appreciate you stopping by and showing me some love!💙 I definitely need to check out Colleen Hoover’s books as well. Didi has mentioned them to me before but I am her to try them out!😀
Hey everyone! I'm Dani and I am a free spirited bibliophile!💖 I love meeting new people and being a part of this community. I have met the best people in the world being a book blogger and love them as family.😍
Here's some words that describe who I am in a nutshell:
Book Nerd Girl, Custom-Made, Hippie Chick, Empath, Open Minded, Spiritual(but doesn't push), A Random Rambler, Loves Humor, Pansexual, Poly, Animal Lover, Book Molester, Life Coach, Psychology Major, Dyslexic That Was Self Taught With Books, Inspiring Author, Loves Others to a Fault!💖😍
The only thing I ask for on this blog is respect! Craziness and dirty joking welcome.💯 Discrimination and disrespectful comments can hit their asses with the door!💯📌📝
I don't have a set schedule 📅 but am available throughout the week. You can text my Wi-Fi work # or you can reach me via my email addresses.
For book related inquiries & other blog concerns email me @ daniellepirok88@gmail.com
For Divination Services, such as Tarot readings, Oracle readings or etc., Please email me @ Dani.Divination.Diva@gmail.com
Excellent interview, Dani!! 🙂 I definitely need to check out Didi’s blog and her books!!
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You will definitely enjoy them sweetheart!!!💖📚 Thanks so much!😀
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I’m with Didi on the open air at a campfire!! She’s always been my kind of gal in that respect! I really want to read this “Time Wasters”! Obviously, the novels will come first! But, a short story collection of silly stories of her younger years?? Yes, please??? 💖💖💖🥂 Congrats Didi! And great interview Dani!! 💖👍
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Thanks so much, Nicole!!!😚🤗 I just love Didi.💖 I read Time Waters! Ugh I forgot to add that to my posts as well. They were really good and definitely made me snicker!😀 Thanks for all the support, my friend! You rock!💖🍻😚💯
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Great interview!
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Thanks so much, Kristi!!!💖🤗 You rock, my friend!😀
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🙂
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😀💖
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Reblogged this on Didi Oviatt and commented:
Thank you so much for having me on your beautiful blog today , Dani! You’re positively one of my faves too!! 😘😍
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Yay!!!!😀💖😍 You are the Best!!!!🤗😙💖
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😍😍
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💜😍
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Sorry the questions blurred all into one! I think it’s changed now. When I first wrote it, there was red and spaces beetween the questions and answers but WordPress hates me attimes and made it all black stuck together so hopefully I fixed it for good this time! Love ya!😀
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lol now worries, love. I think wordpress is secretly out to get us all… dun.dun.dun. Really though, it’s been a beast for me lately too! Talk about frustrating. I’ve been getting kicked out while creating posts, and it doesn’t save my pending work.
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Awesome interview Dani and Didi!🤗😙🤗😚
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Thanks Kim! muah
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😙😙
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🤗😚
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Thanks so much, Kim!💖 You ROCK!😀✌😙
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😚
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Xoxoxoxo!💜
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Reblogged this on Brickley Jules Writes.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Jules!💙 I appreciate you stopping by!😀
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You’re welcome! I enjoyed my visit.
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Thanks for sharing Brick! 🙂
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You’re welcome!
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Xoxo
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Xoxox!😗🤗
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😍❤
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Nice of you to feature Didi, and to learn more about her. She is a really committed and engaged blogger, and I wish her success with her new novel.
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Thanks so much, Pete!💙 She is a great blogger like you.💜 I am so glad I received the opportunity to feature her in my blog!💜
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Thank you so much Pete! 🙂
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I enjoyed this interview! Gonna have to check out her books 🙂
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Thanks so much, Misty!💙 She has great books just like you!💜😀
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What a fab interview Book’em, well done both!
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Thanks so much, Waggles!!!!💙 You are the BEST!💜
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Great interview! I’m reading Aggravated Momentum next month. 🙂 We should read it together Dani!
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Sounds like an awesome idea, Jay! I would love that.💙 I also would like to interview you in the future if your interested as well?😍📚
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Yes to both!!
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Yay!!!😚🤗
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I will be back from a trip in early June and figuring out when to read… we shall figure it out soon!
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Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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Thanks so much for sharing!!!😚🤗
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You’re very welcome, Dani! @v@ ❤
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Excellent interview!
Also, one comment of constructive criticism – It was hard to distinguish between the questions and answers, aside from the questions being centered. Maybe put the questions in bold, or underline them, and then leave the answers un-bolded? Just a thought.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much, Laura! Also thank you for that info! I actually noticed this myself before I posted the post and went back and tried to change the color again. When I originally posted it was supposed to be seperated and have a different color but WordPress seems to have it in for me. I turned the the questions blue this time but will make sure to recheck. Thank you so much for stopping by!😀
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You’re really good at interviewing Dani. I enjoyed it, and I even looked up Colleen Hoover as well because of the author’s recommendation. Great job!!
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Awwww!!! Thanks so much.💙 I really appreciate you stopping by and showing me some love!💙 I definitely need to check out Colleen Hoover’s books as well. Didi has mentioned them to me before but I am her to try them out!😀
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And I have It Ends With Us. I really need to read it. 🤦🏽♀️
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I haven’t read any of her novels! I think I have one in my library though that she did with Taryn Fisher, I belive
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You’ll LOVE It Ends With Us, it is my favorite of Colleen’s books! 🙂 Happy reading!
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I can’t wait to read it!!
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I’m almost embarrassed to admit this, but one of the characters in that book held the position of my book boyfriend for nearly a year LOL
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😂. Don’t be embarrassed. This is just making me more and more excited to read it. ☺️
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lol, Good! 😍
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What a great author interview, Dani. Lovely to see Didi here. She is the exact opposite of me. My idea of camping is a 3.5 star hotel [giggle].
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Hehehe! My idea of a relaxing camping trip would be peace and quiet in my bed with silence and no kids! Lol. Thanks for stopping by, Robbie!😀
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LOL!! I’d settle for a hotel over camping, Robbie, but ONLY if you’ll bake all of my food! 😉
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Great interview! It’s always so inspiring and motivational to read author interviews 🙂 Now off to check out her site and books!
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Thanks so much hon! Yay! I have to read Aggravated Momentum like yesterday! Lol. Thanks for stopping by sweetheart! You rock!😀
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Michael!😀
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Great interview. I have yet to read her books. Expensive on Amazon. One day I hope to get to it
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Hi shalini 🙂 One of my books, Search For Maylee, will actually be free for a few days as of tomorrow! Spring promo, I hope you give it a read! 🙂
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Wow
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Didi I went searching for it a few months ago. Very excited
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Oh wow! I’m honored that you’re even interested, very exciting! Thank you so much 🙂
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Yp, I searched for it on amazon India. They just had a paperback at that time. Not kindle. Now I can see the kindle version
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Awesome!!!
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